The Ranji Trophy is India's premier first-class cricket tournament, showcasing the country's top domestic talent. The 2024–25 season, officially known as the IDFC First Bank Ranji Trophy, marks its 90th edition and features significant structural changes to enhance player welfare and minimize weather-related disruptions.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
This season introduces a two-phase format:
1. First Phase (October 11 – November 16, 2024): Teams will play five league matches.
2. Intervening White-Ball Tournaments:
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20): November 23 – December 15, 2024.
Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over): December 21, 2024 – January 18, 2025.
3. Second Phase (January 23 – March 2, 2025): Teams will complete the remaining two league matches, followed by the knockout stages.
This scheduling aims to address challenges posed by inclement weather, especially in northern India during winter, and to provide players with adequate rest between matches.
Format and Groupings
The competition features 38 teams divided into two categories:
Elite Group: 32 teams split into four groups of eight. Each team plays seven matches within its group, and the top two from each group advance to the quarter-finals.
Plate Group: 6 teams in a single group. Teams play each other once, with the top four entering the semi-finals. The two finalists earn promotion to the Elite Group for the next season, while the bottom two Elite teams face relegation to the Plate Group.
Notable Player Participation
Several prominent Indian cricketers have returned to the Ranji Trophy to regain form after a challenging international season. Rohit Sharma is set to play for Mumbai, marking his return to the tournament after nine years. Other notable players include Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), Shubman Gill (Punjab), and Rishabh Pant (Delhi). Virat Kohli's participation remains unconfirmed.
Where to Watch
Cricket enthusiasts can stream the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 live on the JioCinema app and website. Television broadcasts are available on the Sports 18 Network channels in India.
For detailed schedules, match venues, and updates, fans are encouraged to visit the official BCCI website or follow reputable sports news outlets.
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